Rep. Vella-Wilkinson to host Capitol Television program called ‘Veterans Front and Center’

STATE HOUSE — Rep. Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson (D-Dist. 21, Warwick) will begin cohosting a monthly veterans program on Capitol Television called “Veterans Front and Center” with Capitol TV Director Margie O’Brien.

The program will highlight military veterans’ issues as well as share “war stories” about Rhode Island veterans. The idea for the show came from the House Veterans Advisory Committee, which wanted the general public to be better informed about the state’s role in national defense as well as matters of importance to veterans and their families.

“I sincerely hope members of our veteran community will reach out to me to share their ideas and stories,” said Representative Vella-Wilkinson, a retired naval officer. “My goal is to use this venue as a bridge to the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project. Let’s chronicle and preserve our military history. It’s a more productive method of showing respect for our Defenders of Freedom than just wearing a yellow ribbon.”

The first episode, which will air on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 8 p.m., will focus on housing opportunities for veterans, along with alternative therapy programs for U.S. military veterans and their families struggling with emotional challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, military sexual trauma and mild traumatic brain injury.

“Veterans Front and Center” will be broadcast on Capitol Television, which can be seen on Channel 61 by Cox Communications, Channel 1061 by Cox HD customers, Channel 34 by Verizon viewers and Channel 15 for Full Channel subscribers. It is also streamed at www.rilegislature.gov/CapTV.